I LOVE your essay, I feel every word you said except I AM Jewish! And my heart is in Israel, the rest of me will return in April for a month of travel, visiting friends and family, and volunteering. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
I really didn't know what to expect when I landed in the Negev many years ago. I had always had a yearning to visit Israel and here I was at last.I have never been particularly religious but as,I stepped off the plane I felt a profound sense of,I'm still not sure how to describe it. Peace? Stillness? Joy? If just being. Wholeness. This was my place.I have never felt this before or since and my only regret is not going back.
My love is with the Jewish people and their beautiful homeland. You will prevail.
I can't wait till I visit Israel this year. The one fear I have is with the heart surgery net week I might miss the opportunity to visit Israel, the Holy Land and all the wonderful people that persevere!
You beautifully expressed what so many of us feel. I also am not Jewish. I don't speak Hebrew. I have never been to the Land, and at my age and income level, there is little probability that I will ever do so.
But, I love what, and who, HaShem loves, and I have a few friends living in Israel. Over the years I have watched children attend school, serve in the IDF, marry, have children of their own. Perhaps I am a goy, a gershom, but I will always hold those whom HaShem cherishes as dear to me!
How beautiful. Just wonderful to hear your experiences and how you're processing all these experiences both in and outside of Israel. חזק ואמץ. בהצלחה!
I’m not Jewish but I know the feeling of belonging somewhere. My roots are Swiss and I feel it there. I’ve been to Israel 2x now and already feel deeply invested in its people, history and culture. My kids love it too. A fabulous oasis in a barren desert. Loved your passion about this amazing country!
A compelling essay, written from the heart and the senses. Facts and logic don't count in this scenario. No Jewish person could have penned a better piece on loving Israel. Your candour, the essence of your own personal truth, and your courage to share it, shine strong as Jerusalem stone, and I enjoyed so much reading this. Thank you,
This is me. I am a Maltese 58 year old woman, married to an Italian-Persian doctor, convert to Christianity over 40 years ago. We are both non-Jews, but we both love Israel. I describe myself this way: I am not Jewish by birth but I am Jewish by spirit and a proud Zionist by DNA. Btw I am also learning Hebrew, and I attend Jewish events such as Hannukah and Holocaust Remembrance Memorial on yearly basis.
THANK YOU for saying everything I feel about Israel - and I AM Jewish. It is the most mystical, magical, beautiful place I have ever been. I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco - cuz it's in Tel Aviv.
I LOVE your essay, I feel every word you said except I AM Jewish! And my heart is in Israel, the rest of me will return in April for a month of travel, visiting friends and family, and volunteering. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
Agreed!
I really didn't know what to expect when I landed in the Negev many years ago. I had always had a yearning to visit Israel and here I was at last.I have never been particularly religious but as,I stepped off the plane I felt a profound sense of,I'm still not sure how to describe it. Peace? Stillness? Joy? If just being. Wholeness. This was my place.I have never felt this before or since and my only regret is not going back.
My love is with the Jewish people and their beautiful homeland. You will prevail.
I can't wait till I visit Israel this year. The one fear I have is with the heart surgery net week I might miss the opportunity to visit Israel, the Holy Land and all the wonderful people that persevere!
God Bless Israel and all her people!
You beautifully expressed what so many of us feel. I also am not Jewish. I don't speak Hebrew. I have never been to the Land, and at my age and income level, there is little probability that I will ever do so.
But, I love what, and who, HaShem loves, and I have a few friends living in Israel. Over the years I have watched children attend school, serve in the IDF, marry, have children of their own. Perhaps I am a goy, a gershom, but I will always hold those whom HaShem cherishes as dear to me!
Likewise.
How beautiful. Just wonderful to hear your experiences and how you're processing all these experiences both in and outside of Israel. חזק ואמץ. בהצלחה!
Loved your essay.It says it all better than most of us could express.
I’m not Jewish but I know the feeling of belonging somewhere. My roots are Swiss and I feel it there. I’ve been to Israel 2x now and already feel deeply invested in its people, history and culture. My kids love it too. A fabulous oasis in a barren desert. Loved your passion about this amazing country!
Thank you for this beautiful description of Israel. It’s people like you that we need now more than ever. May you be blessed.
God Bless Liv
Love you back. Made me cry. Too old for Aliyah but a team member anyway.
Thank you for this!
that is so beautiful. I feel exactly the same way. Thanks for putting it into words. I am Jewish and I'm glad you love Israel as I do.
This made me cry. Thank you thank you thank you. And right back at you with all that love.
A compelling essay, written from the heart and the senses. Facts and logic don't count in this scenario. No Jewish person could have penned a better piece on loving Israel. Your candour, the essence of your own personal truth, and your courage to share it, shine strong as Jerusalem stone, and I enjoyed so much reading this. Thank you,
Sidebar...
Just for update, my heart surgery is the morning of February 3rd, 2026. Should anyone need anything contact Miriam.
May you have a successful surgery without complications and a complete and speedy recovery.
Good luck with the surgery. May you recover speedily and completely.
<3
This is me. I am a Maltese 58 year old woman, married to an Italian-Persian doctor, convert to Christianity over 40 years ago. We are both non-Jews, but we both love Israel. I describe myself this way: I am not Jewish by birth but I am Jewish by spirit and a proud Zionist by DNA. Btw I am also learning Hebrew, and I attend Jewish events such as Hannukah and Holocaust Remembrance Memorial on yearly basis.
I am an Irish Christian living in London. Last week I went to a synagogue for HMD and my heart felt at home
THANK YOU for saying everything I feel about Israel - and I AM Jewish. It is the most mystical, magical, beautiful place I have ever been. I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco - cuz it's in Tel Aviv.